FAQ
Is there a minimum number of guests?
Yes, our banquet hall has minimum requirements. There is a minimum of 50 adults for a weeknight event (Sunday-Thursday), and Saturday/Sunday daytime event. The minimum for a Friday night event is 75 adults, and 100 adults for a Saturday night.
If you do not meet the minimum requirement for your event day, your event will go on as planned, but you will be required to pay the minimum.
How many people can the facility hold?
The rooms maximum occupancy is 260 people. We suggest 225 people for a sit-down dinner with a dance floor and 200 people for a buffet style with a dance floor. Our tables are 72-inch round tables that hold up to 12 people at them.
What is included in your pricing?
Our pricing includes the food items outlined on your selected menu package, dessert, coffee/ tea, and soft drinks. We provide room set up, including your choice of linens/napkins, tables, chairs, china, glassware, and silverware. The room is equipped with a projector and screen as well as a sound system (Please note all technical needs are the responsibility of the client). Tax and Gratuity are also included in the pricing.
What is NOT included in your pricing?
Our pricing does not include decorations of any kind, including centerpieces, candles, etc. We are able to play background music through our stereo system, but you are welcome to bring in a DJ. Also, our pricing includes gratuity, but not New Jersey sales tax.
What is the typical length of the room rental?
Majority of events run for four hours. Baby/bridal showers and sports banquets are three-hour rentals. The room will be available to you an hour before the event to set up or decorate. You may request to extend the length of your event for an additional cost, but this is not guaranteed.
We tend to book two events a day, so it is important that daytime events are concluded by no later than 4pm.
Daytime event start times range from 8am-12pm.
Evening event start times range from 4pm-6pm.
What is the deposit required?
We require a deposit of $500 to hold your date. It is applied toward the final balance.
Is there a fee to rent the hall?
Yes, the county requires a hall rental fee. For Mercer County residents, there is a flat fee of $175 for events booked Monday through Thursday and a $250 for events booked Friday through Sunday.
For non-residents the fee is $200 Monday through Thursday and $257 Friday through Sunday.
Are there additional fees?
There will be a $250 administrative fee added to each event to the final balance. The fee is included to cover any unforeseen costs of additional linens or staffing not initially considered and/or damage to plates, glassware, flatware, walls, or furniture.
What is the cancellation policy?
If Customer cancels the Event, the following shall apply:
- Cancellations six (6) months or more prior to the Event – 50% of deposit will be refunded, IF and only IF we re-book the date with a similar event.
- Cancellations more than three (3) months but less than six (6) months prior to the Event – no deposit will be refunded unless you reschedule the event then 50% of deposit will be transferred new date.
- Cancellations three (3) months or less prior to the event – No refunds of deposits will be given or transferred.
- Cancellations one (1) month or less prior to the event – No refunds of deposits will be given or transferred & customer must pay a $500 cancellation fee.
***WEDDING CANCELLATIONS ONLY: Cancellations within one (1) month prior to the Wedding, there is no refund of deposits and Customer is responsible for a cancellation fee of $1,000. If you reschedule the event 6 months or more prior to another date within a year 50% of the deposit will be transferred to the new date.
When is the final headcount due?
The guaranteed final headcount is due one week prior to your event.
If you are having a sit-down meal, the meal orders must be provided at this time as well.
When is the final payment due/how can I pay?
Final payment is due the day of the event (day prior for a wedding), but you can choose to make payments in advance if preferred.
The preferred method of payment is check or cash, but a credit card may be used. Please note there is a 3% processing fee for all credit card payments.
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
The Boathouse by Mercer Oaks Catering has a liquor license that allows us to sell liquor on the premises. Therefore, it is against the law for you to bring in your own alcohol. We offer beer and wine packages, open bar packages, and cash bar as well. If there is a certain type of alcohol you want at your event, we will try our best to order it, but it may result in additional costs.
Can I bring in my own food or caterer?
For cultural reasons only. If we are unable to meet your specific needs we will consider allowing an outside caterer, however, please note that the room rental will be a per person cost similar to if you were using one of our menu options.
Is the food prepared on the premises?
Yes, The Boathouse by Mercer Oaks Catering is equipped with a fully functioning kitchen which allows our chefs to prepare and cook menu items fresh daily.
Am I able to bring leftover food home?
Due to health department recommendations, not all leftover food is permitted to be taken home. Buffet food and self-serve food that has been out for a period of time may not be packed up to take home. For sit down/plated meals only, guests may take home leftovers.
How many servers and bartenders do you schedule to work?
Staffing ultimately depends on the number of guests attending your event, as well as how intricate your event is. Typically we staff one server to every 25 people. Each event will be staffed with a Maitre’d to ensure all event activities run smoothly and efficiently.
Bartenders are usually staffed by every 75-100 adults. Any event with more than 120 adults would have two bartenders. This may vary depending on the type of event.
Are the Decks available for outside events?
Yes, the decks are included with the room rental. The decks have lighting and ceiling fans on the covered portions only.
What are the dimensions of the banquet hall?
The dimensions of the banquet room are 58ftx74ft.